Green boost for Banchory Academy

The request for full planning permission for installation of 200 solar photovoltaic PV panels was approved by members at the Marr Area Committee meeting in Huntly on Tuesday (April 16).

Councillors unanimously backed the proposal to install the energy friendly units on the flat roofed building to the south east of the wider Academy site.

It will be a major green boost for the school and comes as part of the wider Aberdeen City and Shire structural plan which the report into the panels surmises: “The purpose of this Structure Plan is to set a clear direction for the future development of the North East... objectives identified (include)...promoting economic growth, promoting sustainable economic development which will reduce carbon dioxide production, adapt to the effects of climate change and limit the amount of non-renewable resources used.”

The report then recommended agreement to the proposal sating: “The installation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels to a flat roof building of Banchory Academy would be acceptable due to them having no detrimental visual impact to the building or the surrounding area.”

All seven members of the group that were present agreed to the plan.

Banchory Councillor Linda Clark said she was “delighted” the proposal went through the committee.

She told the Piper: “We really have to congratulate the council for this. I am absolutely delighted.”

She also highlighted the economic elements of the proposal: “We have to get the best value for money possible for the schools in the area. Like anyone else, the council has to look at the price of fuel and find the best way to be efficient.

“You only have to look at the prices of utilities to see that savings have to be made and this will be a great saving in the long run.”